Roberto Mancini’s team impressed with speed, offensive spirit and finesse. From the 3-0 opening win against Turkey to the semi-final triumph in the penalty shoot-out against Spain, Italy made strong performances and thus played its way into the hearts of not only the Italian fans. Due to the performances shown, Italy is also considered by the experts to be a slight favorite for the first European title since 1968.
England, on the other hand, contented themselves with a result-oriented style of play, especially in the group stage. In the knockout phase, however, the “Three Lions” were also able to improve. However, the courage to take an unconditional offensive risk is not part of Coach Gareth Southgate’s tactical concept. England always acted with reinsurance.
With 58 goals, England has only half as many as Italy (108). Otherwise, the statistics of the two teams in terms of possession (52.3 Italy / 54.2 England), attempts to pass (3,446 / 3,389), accuracy of pass (86.3 / 87.7) or ball wins (249/222) are almost identical Even when comparing the parts of the team, none of the finalists have a big advantage.
Statistics speak for Italy
Italy versus England – this is the duel for the title of Euro 2020. The “Squadra Azzurra”, unbeaten in 33 games, has to compete in the cave of the “Three Lions”. After all, with a positive balance: Italy has never lost to England in a World Cup or European Championship finals.
Italy’s exceptional talent and England’s support
Both teams can rely on secure support in goal. With Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy has a real exceptional talent in its ranks. Although only 22 years old, the goalie has experience of 200 Serie A and 32 international matches. Donnarumma stayed 1,169 minutes without conceding a goal before Sasa Kalajdzic broke the gate ban in the round of 16. With his height of 1.96 meters he is a force on flanks, but also responsive on the line and courageous when coming out.
On the other side is Jordan Pickford, a goalie who is not part of the first guard. The 27-year-old has been number one in the team since 2018. Only one goal was conceded – in the semifinals against Denmark from a free kick – the Everton goalkeeper had to accept. Before that he was undefeated for 725 minutes. At the EM he has been without blame or blame so far. Pickford shouldn’t get too hectic though, against Denmark he afforded one or two dropouts when playing out.
The “Senators” and the Manchester chain
Both goalkeepers have excellent defense lines in front of them. The “Senators” – as captain Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are called in Italy – are still among the best central defenders in the world at the age of 36 and 34 respectively. The duo has been playing together for years and understands each other blindly. The full-backs provide offensive. On the right, Giovanni di Lorenzo played himself into the team instead of Alessandro Florenzi. The loss of Leonardo Spinazzola (Achilles tendon) weighs heavily on the left. Emerson is good, but not an adequate replacement.
With the English, the back four with a mix of ManCity and ManUnited players have been found from the last group game. Inside, Harry Maguire and John Stones ensure absolute stability. The two giants cannot be shaken when they cross, but they also ensure an orderly play structure. Left-back Luke Shaw has high offensive qualities, which he underlined with three assists so far. On the right, Kyle Walker creates dynamism.
Midfield as a decisive factor
Conquering the ball and switching quickly are the tasks for Italy’s midfield. With the powerful Marco Verratti, Jorginho and the more offensive Nicolo Barella, the “Azzurri” have the ideal players to implement the plan. The trio is the heart and brain of the team, setting the pace and rhythm. Manuel Locatelli, who has played a good European Championship so far, is available as a replacement. If Italy wins the overweight in midfield, that could be decisive.
England holds against it with two classic “sixes”. With Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice, two players fulfill this role who were only known on the island before the European Championship. The professionals from Leeds United and West Ham played their way into the limelight with strong performances. With Jordan Henderson, Southgate has none other than the Liverpool captain up their sleeves. Mason Mount is supposed to take care of the creative moments and the connection to the offensive.
Pure quality in both offensive departments
In Italy’s attack, exceptional talent swirl through the bench. On the left, Lorenzo Insigne has been delivering excellent performances game after game since the start of the European Championship. Federico Chiesa played in the starting lineup instead of Domenico Berardi and impressed with his goals against Austria and in the semifinals against Spain. Both stop at two goals. There is a question mark behind Ciro Immobile. The center forward scored twice in the group stage, but has been empty since then. Coach Mancini holds on to the Lazio striker and continues to trust him.
The seedlings for England are Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane. With its speed, the wing runabout ensures permanent danger. Kane really got going in the knockout phase and scored all four of his goals. Up until now, the 19-year-old Arsenal player Bukayo Saka has often been preferred to the right. England’s big plus on the offensive are the strong substitutes. With Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, Southgate has players on the bench who can turn a game around at any time. Not to forget Marcus Rashford.
